TWYCROSS ZOO has seen the end of an era with the death of one of the first animals to live there.

Joe, the 45-year-old western lowland silverback gorilla, died on September 21 after a short illness.

Weighing in at 32 stone, Joe was the first of many gorillas to live at the zoo when he arrived on July 27, 1965.

Joe was given his own “bachelor pad” in 1998 – single male gorillas lead a solitary life in the wild so it made sense for Joe to have his own custom-built home complete with outdoor run.

Gorillas like continuity such as regular feeding times and in his later years, Joe was thoroughly spoilt with extra treats, both from the keepers and his many adopters.

He would also enjoy exotic fruits such as kiwi, mango, pineapple and strawberries and loved yoghurt drinks as a treat.

Every morning and evening he was given four pints of tea and had a litre of fruit cordial at lunch time.

As extra stimulation for him, his keepers would hide forage balls in his quarters – these would have nuts and raisins in them so he would have to shake them to release the food inside.

Gorillas are very intelligent and can recognise their keepers and regular visitors, and Joe was no exception. He would sit by his window to watch his admirers as they came to visit, it was not uncommon for him to stick his bottom lip out at them.

Gorillas are the largest of the great apes and despite their size, are peaceful animals and rarely show aggression.